The WNBA Leg Sleeve: Fashion, Function… or Both?

If you’re tuning into the WNBA for the first time, you might notice a lot of players wearing a single leg sleeve and wonder why. The short answer: it’s both style and science.

Like a lot of today’s WNBA, all roads lead to A’ja Wilson

A’ja Wilson is often credited with making the one-leg sleeve her signature look. According to the WNBA Leg Sleeve Wiki, “Wilson began wearing a leg sleeve when her first day of training resulted in discomfort in her left leg, and a trainer suggested that she keep her leg warm. She disliked the restrictive feeling of leggings, so she cut a pair of leggings to only cover one leg. This became a tradition for Wilson, who hand-cut a leg sleeve at the beginning of every WNBA season. She wore leg sleeves at every competition except for the 2020 Olympics, due to a team uniform rule.”

From Function to Fashion

By 2024, 24 players across 11 teams were wearing leg sleeves, each with their own reasons. For example, Angel Reese reportedly wears one to cover a scar from a previous injury. What started as a practical solution has become part of the league’s visual style.

What Does It Do?

Compression: Improves blood circulation and oxygen flow to the muscles, reducing fatigue and soreness.

Muscle Stability: Helps stabilize muscles, lowering the risk of strains during high-impact play.

Warmth and Joint Support: Keeps muscles warm, preventing stiffness and providing extra joint support.

So… Style or Science?

While the single-leg sleeve has the vibe of a fashion statement, it’s rooted in performance. It’s one of those rare cases where something functional also becomes part of the game’s culture — and the look.